News Briefs

Portable electric heaters can provide added warmth, but should be used with caution. Here are some safety tips:
• Only use portable heaters from a recognized testing laboratory
• Ensure the heater has an automatic shut off
• Keep combustibles at least three feet away from the heater
• Plug heaters directly into outlets. Do not use an extension cord or power strip.
• Turn heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.
For more safety information, contact Environmental Health and Safety at 607-777-2211 or online.

The Binghamton University Opera Ensemble will present scenes from Puccini’s “Suor Angelica” and Offenbach’s “The Tales of Hoffmann” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, in AC-Chamber Hall. The production will be performed by graduate and undergraduate students who are members of the Opera Ensemble class taught by Willie Anthony Waters, assistant professor of music at Binghamton University, and staged by guest stage director David Toulson, with pianist and assistant music director John Isenberg. Tickets are $10, general public; $7, for faculty, staff, seniors and alumni; and $5 for students and are available at the Anderson Center Box Office from noon-5:30 p.m. weekdays, by calling 607-777-ARTS, online or at the door. For more information, visit the Music Department online or become a fan on Facebook. These events are sponsored by the Binghamton University Music Department.

The Annual Option Transfer period for employees who wish to make changes to their health insurance plan is Monday, Nov. 14 through Friday, Dec.16. Change forms must be received in the Human Resources Office, AD-244, or postmarked by the close of business, Friday, Dec. 16, 2016. No action is required if you are not making any changes to your health insurance plan for 2017.

The Division of Research and the Office of the Provost announce a new internal funding opportunity: The Faculty Research Support Program provides funds to assist faculty who have a history of successful funding and require bridging support for the generation of data needed to submit a proposal for funding in their area of expertise. Projects funded through this program are expected to lead to the submission of a proposal for external support within one year of project completion. Proposals from all areas of scholarship are encouraged.

Note that the program requires matching from the applicant’s department.

Binghamton Crew is providing you the opportunity to hire our rowers to take care of your household chores and projects. Services include – but are not limited to – painting, snow shoveling, raking leaves, yard cleaning and heavy lifting. Rate: $12.50 per hour per rower.

Lean Six Sigma is a combined process-improvement methodology that accelerates processes, increases efficiency and reduces or eliminates variation. This unique healthcare-based Lean Six Sigma training program at the Green Belt level is designed for anyone interested in understanding and applying lean concepts to healthcare systems.

This training will be offered via distance learning from Jan. 30-April 2, 2017, by the Systems Science and Industrial Engineering (SSIE) Department at the Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science. This training is open to current Binghamton students, as well as alumni, non-Binghamton students and members of industry, non-profit and government agencies.

Use CROP, an online resource that benefits faculty, post-doctoral fellows and advanced graduate students seeking research assistance and undergraduates looking to gain hands-on research experience. The database, which has listed almost 60 postings, provides a central location for faculty to post information on opportunities for research, scholarly or creative activity and for undergraduates to find and apply for these positions. Among other information, faculty must provide details on the nature of the research or creative work, required qualifications, and a description of application procedures. Students can review the listings and apply directly to the faculty sponsor if they are interested. Go online to submit an opportunity to the CROP database.

Do you have new employees in your department? Could your colleagues or staff use a reminder of what EAP is and how to access this confidential benefit? Upon request, the employee assistance professionals at Binghamton University can provide a brief, onsite orientation of services at staff and departmental meetings. The EAP can also customize workshops to address a department’s or work group’s professional needs (i.e. Work-Life Balance, Stress Management and Grief Support). Contact the EAP office via e-mail or call 607-777-6655 to schedule an appointment.

It is with deep sadness that I share news of the death of a student, Stefani Lineva. It was Stefani’s first semester on campus. She was a member of our tennis team who had transferred from Adelphi. The loss of someone so young and talented is almost impossible to imagine and impacts our entire community. We will miss Stefani's spirit, passion and engagement with everyone she touched on our campus.

On behalf of the University community, I offer my deepest condolences to Stefani’s family, teammates, classmates and all who knew and loved her. Please keep her and her family in your thoughts as we all mourn her loss.

Information regarding memorial services will be forthcoming once details are confirmed.

Support services are available to all members of the Binghamton community dealing with this loss.

Counseling for affected students is available through the University Counseling Center (UCC) during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, at 607-777-2772. After-hours counseling support can be obtained by contacting University Police at 607-777-2393 to access the UCC counselor on call.

One of Binghamton University’s greatest strengths is its diversity, which creates a rich environment for faculty to teach and students to learn. Now, more than ever, we must double our efforts to ensure that we become an even more welcoming, safe and secure place for all members of our community. We want to assure you that this administration will do everything in its power to protect our students, faculty and staff, including undocumented immigrants, refugees and international students.

As we strive to assure that Binghamton University remains a safe, inclusive and welcoming community, we have taken and will be taking a number of measures to ensure that we continue to serve the needs of all members of our community.

- The University president has joined other college and university presidents calling for the U.S. to uphold and continue Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).
https://www.pomona.edu/news/2016/11/21-college-university-presidents-call-us-uphold-and-continue-daca

- The office of International Student and Scholar Services will serve as a resource for information pertaining specifically to immigration.

- The Dean of Students Office has appointed case managers, available to students who have questions/concerns.

- The University’s commitment is firm in continuing to protect student confidentiality, not sharing private information about our students in accordance with the (federal) Family Educational and Rights of Privacy Act (FERPA).

- The New York State University Police at Binghamton does not gather information about the citizenship or immigration status of our students or anyone with whom officers interact, and we have no plans to alter this practice.

- While the University is bound to comply with state and federal law, enforcement of federal immigration policy primarily rests with federal authorities.

- The Student Legal Clinic, which maintains a privileged attorney/client relationship, will be an available resource for students with immigration law-related issues.

The University will work with our community partners to further mobilize support for these initiatives; and as a campus community, will continue work to make Binghamton even more diverse and to assure that all members feel welcome, valued and included, regardless of race, nationality, religion, gender, sexual orientation, dis/ability or immigration status.